Working Mama, Happy Boy

Work has been going great.  I actually love going in 3 days a week.  It's almost like a little break for me then I make sure to enjoy my special days with Mr. Hanley on Wednesday's and Friday's. I was talking to one of our patients this week who has a 2 month old.  She is getting ready to go back to work part-time next week and she asked me how it was going back to work.  I told her that as long as she is comfortable with the childcare, that going back to work is actually easier than she is probably anticipating it to be. It broke my heart when she told me how uncomfortable with the childcare situation she is.  She is taking her little man to a infant center which employees 1 gal to 4 infants.  She said she recently went to shadow and there were babies crying for far too long because the gal had her hands full. I hope something works out for her because I understand the feeling of wanting to find someone who will take care of your little guy with the same love and care you do for him.  This really made me feel so blessed to have found April.

When we started our childcare search, I told Cody that I was really disappointed in ourselves for not reaching out more to those in our community. After all, we love Oregon City and have set roots here but we barely know anyone in this little town. We have talked about finding a church here for several years now because we both grew up going to church and feel like it is important for our children to grow up learning the same morals and beliefs we hold. Each Sunday morning rolls around and we find ourselves too busy.  We need to stop making excuses, make it a priority, and just go! We know some of our neighbors well enough to borrow a cup of sugar when I am in the middle of canning and find myself 1 cup short, say "Hi" and ask about their dog named Roxy too, knock on their door and ask to cut down the DEAD tree that sits on the property line, tell them that the loud noise from their son revving his race car for HOURS is extremely disturbing, or ask about the chickens or new kittens we have seen in their front yard. But thats probably about it. However, as my pregnancy progressed, we ended up getting to know our neighbor's across the street much better.  They brought us dessert when we returned home from the hospital and brought Hanley a gift back from Disney Land, made Hanley and little hat when she first learned to crochet and enjoyed morning coffee and great conversation with me during my maternity leave. We quickly realized how great of neighbor's they are! Then, we met April through them and we quickly realized how great she was too! So, although we have done a poor job stepping out and becoming more involved with our community, we are thankful to have meet a few people who really make a difference in our life.

It's a great feeling to be able to go to work, knowing Hanley is in good hands. It allows me to focus on my work. However, there are moments (lots of them!) that I miss him greatly. Last week, April sent me some pictures of Hanley and Sophia. They made me smile and brightened my day in the moments that I missed him the most.

I love how Sophia has her arm up around Hanley and Hanley has his hand on her...So sweet!

Sophia's smile can just melt your heart!

It sure seems like they play well together!

I think it is great that these two will grow up with each other. They will learn to share their toys and Hanley will probably always strive to keep up with Sophia!

Bad Dog!

Wednesday afternoon, Hanley and I took advantage of the nice weather and went out back to play with Roxy...

Hanley got a wet diaper, so we went inside to change him and I checked on dinner. We were literally inside for 5 minutes and came out to this...

Roxy tried denying she had anything to do with the loss and destruction of the Bumbo (notice she refuses to look at me or the scene of the crime...) but we all know what really happened! She was a BAD DOG!!!!

Hanley's 1st Easter

We went down to Eugene for Easter.  Not only was it Hanley's 1st Easter but it was Isaac's 1st too!!! This year the Olson Family gathering was much different from last years. Last year, Cody and I had announced our pregnancy on Easter to the family, then several weeks later Grant and Rebecca announcned theirs. So, the Olson family gathering went from lots of food and wine one year, to babies and bottles the next year. It's so nice to have the boys so close in age.  We look forward to many family gatherings as they grow and play together.

Isaac (2 months) and Hanley (4 1/2 months)

Great Grandma Tina with both boys!

The Easter bunny arrived and spoiled Hanley.  Out of the books and toys, I think he like the cellophane and basket stuffing the best...go figure!

 

Back at it-Part 2

So, my first week back to work, we were beyond thankful to have my Mom here to help! Her and Hanley got to spend the week together and she helped out a lot around the house (cooking, cleaning, etc). So, when Cody and I got home from work, we were able to optimize our few hours with Hanley before bedtime.

Roxy enjoyed the extra attention too. The weather was beautiful that week, so they were able to play outside lots, which is something Roxy and Hanley both enjoy!

Roxy tired after a game of fetch

Peek-a-Boo